Ever wondered what's actually in your "natural" skincare products? That question led me to today's fascinating conversation with Cynthia Maddock, founder of Madd House Hill, who creates genuinely natural goat milk skincare from her own farm.

What began as a humble side hustle to earn pocket money for her college-bound daughter has evolved into a thriving business built on transparency and quality. Cynthia breaks down why not all "natural" or even "goat milk" products live up to their labels, revealing how many commercial brands use synthetic bases or artificial ingredients despite their clean marketing. By contrast, her products use real goat milk from her family's 15-year goat-raising experience, therapeutic-grade essential oils instead of lab-created fragrances, and premium ingredients like olive oil rather than cheaper alternatives.

The star of her product line? An ingenious all-natural insect repellent combining nine essential oils that both repels bugs and moisturizes skin—perfect for children and sensitive skin since it doesn't require washing off like chemical alternatives. We also discuss how goat milk products offer remarkable benefits for conditions like eczema and psoriasis, with many customers finding they don't even need lotion after using her soap. As Cynthia wisely notes, "What you put ON your body is just as important as what you put IN it," reminding us that our skin absorbs whatever we apply.

Ready to experience the difference of truly natural skincare? Visit maddhousehill.com and use code spandexandwine10 for 10% off your order. Your skin—and the environment—will thank you!

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Cellular regeneration might sound like science fiction, but it's happening in your body right this minute. Your skin completely renews every month, your gut lining rebuilds every few days, and your red blood cells are replaced every season. You are literally not the same person you were a month ago!

But here's where things get interesting: the quality of this amazing renewal process depends largely on your gut health. When Robin talks about being "geeky" about cellular regeneration, she's uncovering the hidden connection between gut function and how well your body rebuilds itself. A compromised gut means compromised cellular regeneration, which manifests as fatigue, slow healing, and that frustrating feeling that your energy just won't kick into high gear.

The podcast breaks down three critical connections between gut health and regeneration: nutrient absorption (providing quality building blocks for new cells), reduced inflammation (allowing your body to focus on repair instead of firefighting), and efficient detoxification (especially important for those who enjoy the "wine" part of Spandex and Wine!). These foundational elements determine how well you bounce back from workouts, how vibrant your skin looks, and your overall energy levels. Robin also shares details about upcoming opportunities to improve your gut health, including a three-day nutritionally supported fast and a free September salad challenge to build veggie-eating habits. Want to glow from within, recover faster, and feel energized? It starts with gut health and cellular regeneration.

Pour something in your glass that makes you happy and join our community! Text SALAD to 913-392-2877 or email [email protected] to participate in our challenges. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and join our Facebook group by searching "Spandex Wine" to connect with others on this balanced wellness journey.

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Ever feel like you're juggling too many balls at once? You're not alone. In this raw and candid conversation, I open up about my current struggle with balance while navigating a new job alongside managing my fitness studio, recording this podcast, and showing up for clients. The truth? My balance is completely out of whack right now.

We often picture balance as this perfect, calm state where everything fits neatly into place. But that's not reality. Balance isn't about perfection—it's about going with the flow and trusting that even when life feels wobbly, it's temporary. For control freaks like me, this is particularly challenging! Seasons of change inevitably bring chaos before clarity, and that's exactly where I find myself.

Rather than fighting against this imbalance, I've discovered unexpected joy in becoming a student again. As a fitness trainer, I spend significant mental energy planning workouts for others. But recently, I've been walking into classes and simply following along—no planning, no responsibility—just moving and enjoying the ride. This mental break has been transformative, allowing me to get lost in the moment while still maintaining my morning and evening rituals that keep me grounded.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin, perhaps this is your sign to find spaces where you can simply show up and let someone else guide you. Whether it's yoga, strength training, or dance, allow yourself to be the student. Let go of the need to plan or be perfect. Just move and enjoy the experience. After all, sometimes the most balanced thing we can do is acknowledge the imbalance and give ourselves permission to be messy.

Pour something in your glass that makes you happy and remember: perfection isn't the goal—progress and presence are. I'd love to hear what topics and guests you'd like featured on future episodes! Reach out anytime at [email protected] or text me at 913-392-2877.

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Remember when you started a workout because you ate that cookie? Or stepped on the scale and let that number ruin your perfectly good day? It's time we talked about breaking free from this cycle of shame.

Shifting from punishment-based workouts to joyful movement is a game-changer, especially for women in our 40s, 50s, and beyond. We've spent decades believing exercise was something we did because we weren't good enough—a consequence rather than a celebration. But what if movement became an act of love instead? 

This episode explores how finding physical activities that genuinely excite you transforms your relationship with fitness. Whether it's dancing with abandon, walking with friends, or lifting weights to feel powerful (not to earn your dinner), joyful movement helps your body feel like a partner rather than a project.

We also tackle our complicated relationship with the scale—that small device that somehow holds immense power over our self-worth. The truth? That number doesn't measure strength, energy, happiness, improved sleep, reduced inflammation, or any of the meaningful ways your body serves you daily. When we focus on consistency and how we feel rather than arbitrary numbers, real, lasting results follow.

Your body deserves kindness, not constant criticism. Move because it feels good. Rest when you need to. And remember that being a work in progress is exactly where you should be. Text me at 913-392-2877 or email [email protected] if you need support finding your groove again. And please, if this message resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it today.

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What does it really take to heal from profound childhood trauma? Alenda Jacobson's story offers a raw, unflinching look at this journey as she shares her experience of sexual abuse from birth to age seven and the chaotic family environment that shaped her early life.

With remarkable openness, Alenda reveals how trauma taught her to constantly scan for danger, prioritize others' needs above her own, and develop an almost supernatural empathy as a survival mechanism. "I was very tuned in to everything going on around me because I was trying to predict next moves," she explains. "I couldn't feel safe if I couldn't feel other people's emotions." This hypervigilance came at a steep cost, disconnecting her from her own needs and creating patterns that followed her into adulthood.

The turning point in Alenda's healing journey came not during therapy, but after it ended. Walking away from a session feeling unsatisfied, something shifted—she realized there had to be more to healing than what she'd experienced. This awakening led her to embrace practices she'd previously dismissed and to question long-held beliefs. Most importantly, she learned that healing requires feeling: "You have to feel your feelings and they're not going to go away until you sit with them and stop being afraid of them."

What makes this conversation truly special is Alenda's profound wisdom about self-love. "Unfortunately, you're not going to find healing where you were hurt," she shares, "which means you have to do the hardest thing you've ever done—learn to be in love with yourself." Her journey reminds us that while others can support our healing, ultimately we must become our own healers and "the hero to our own story."

Have you experienced trauma that still affects your life? Listen to this episode for compassionate insights from someone who's walking the path of healing. Text me at 913-392-2877 or email [email protected] to share your thoughts or connect with Alinda.

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What if the most powerful wellness tool isn't in your kitchen or gym bag, but between your ears? Dive into the fascinating science of how our thoughts shape our physical health and wellbeing. 

The numbers are shocking: we have up to 60,000 thoughts daily, with a staggering 80% being negative and 95% repetitive. That's right—we're not just thinking negative thoughts; we're thinking the same negative thoughts on repeat like a broken record. This mental pattern doesn't just stay in our heads—it shows up in our bodies, with the CDC reporting that up to 90% of doctor visits stem from stress-related issues. From high blood pressure to weakened immunity, that internal dialogue is literally making us sick.

But here's the empowering part: you can rewrite this story. This episode offers practical, science-backed strategies for breaking the negative thought cycle without falling into toxic positivity. Learn how to replace disempowering thoughts with strengthening ones, how to acknowledge negative thoughts without letting them "set up camp," and why treating your mind like valuable real estate (not a trash bin) might be the healthiest choice you make today.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by negative self-talk or simply want to optimize your mental wellness routine, this episode provides the perfect blend of motivation and actionable steps. Ready to transform your thoughts and, by extension, your health? Pour something in your glass that makes you happy, and let's talk about making your inner dialogue work for you, not against you. Your body—and your wine glass—will thank you for it.

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Ever feel like life has rolled you up, wrung you out, and tossed you in a cart? That's exactly the stretch I've been experiencing lately—and surprisingly, I'm grateful for it. 

When my new job opportunity appeared, my first thought was about everything I'd lose: freedom, flexibility, and precious time with my grandsons. But looking deeper, I discovered what I truly needed: financial stability, structure, and new connections. The universe has a funny way of delivering exactly what we need, even when it comes in unexpected packaging. This position literally found me, not the other way around, and I'm choosing to embrace it with deep, lesson-kind-of gratitude.

My vision for destination retreats has transformed too. While Machu Picchu and beach getaways remain on my vision board, my new schedule has inspired something different yet equally magical: weekend escapes just an hour away. These mini-retreats will still feature movement, connection, and yes—wine—reminding us that wellness doesn't require distant travels. Keep an eye out for my upcoming fall retreat that's sure to fill quickly!

Perhaps most surprising has been my Plexus journey. It's been transformative not just for my health but as financial support during this transition. I've witnessed incredible changes in energy, inflammation, gut health, sleep, and more—especially for those consistent with the products. Whether you're interested in the health benefits or the business opportunity, I'd love to connect.

When life stretches you like spandex, it's creating space for growth, abundance, and new purpose. If you're navigating your own stretch right now, I see you, I'm with you, and I'm cheering you on. Send me a message or share this episode with a friend who might need to hear that their current stretch is leading somewhere beautiful. Let's pivot with grace together—breathing deep and rolling with whatever cart life throws us into.

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"Small steps taken daily create powerful change." This simple yet profound affirmation captures the essence of sustainable wellness, especially for women navigating their 40s, 50s, and beyond. After 23 years in the fitness industry, I've witnessed countless clients fall into the all-or-nothing trap—ambitious workout schedules and perfect meal plans that quickly become overwhelming and unsustainable.

What actually works? Those tiny, consistent actions that may seem insignificant on their own: a five-minute walk after dinner, drinking water before your morning coffee, or ensuring your lunch includes protein and fiber. When stacked day after day, these modest habits transform into remarkable shifts in energy, strength, clarity, and confidence. The beauty lies not just in the physical changes but in rebuilding trust with yourself—creating momentum that carries you through life's inevitable challenges.

I also share a deeply personal story about manifestation and how the universe sometimes delivers exactly what we've been asking for, just packaged differently than expected. After experiencing unprecedented client turnover and focusing my affirmations on financial security, I received a surprising job offer from a former employer. What initially seemed like a step backward revealed itself as the exact opportunity I'd been manifesting.

What small step will you take today that your future self will thank you for? I'd love to hear about your journey—DM me, tag me in your posts, or join our Spandex and Wine community. Together, we're creating powerful change, one small step at a time. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends who might need this message of sustainable wellness and self-compassion.

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When one door closes, another one opens—with a perfectly chilled glass of clean crafted wine waiting for you. Mercedes Ludwig's story of resilience and reinvention in the wine industry demonstrates exactly what the Spandex and Wine podcast is all about: finding balance between healthy living and life's pleasures.

After Traveling Vineyard unexpectedly closed in December 2023, Mercedes didn't waste time mourning what was lost. Instead, she channeled her passion for wine education and community into a new venture with Scout and Cellar just one month later. Her transition story resonates with anyone who's faced an unexpected ending and found the courage to begin again.

What makes Mercedes' wine journey particularly fascinating is her evolution from a 24-year-old novice who "didn't know anything about wine" to a passionate advocate for clean crafted wines. Scout and Cellar's transparent approach—providing detailed "soil to sip" reports tracing each wine's journey from vineyard to bottle—allows Mercedes to offer something most wineries can't: complete transparency about what's in your glass. Zero added sugar, no pesticides, and comprehensive nutritional information appeal to today's health-conscious wine lovers who still want to enjoy their favorite beverage without mystery ingredients.

Mercedes beautifully balances her wine business with her full-time factory job and her own wellness journey. She shares candidly about losing 40 pounds in 2020, regaining some weight, and then finding a more sustainable approach to health through simple portion control and whole foods rather than restrictive dieting. Her practical approach to wellness mirrors her wine philosophy: life is about enjoyment and balance, not deprivation.

Whether you're looking to pivot in your career, find more balance in your health journey, or simply discover cleaner wines that won't leave you feeling "funky" the next day, Mercedes' conversation offers practical wisdom and genuine inspiration. Connect with her on social media to follow her journey and explore Scout and Cellar's clean crafted wines.

Pour something in your glass that makes you happy and join us for this uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of community.

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Ready for a fresh approach to wellness that doesn't demand perfection? Season 3 of Spandex and Wine launches with a powerful new addition to your self-care toolkit: weekly affirmations designed to transform how you speak to yourself.

After returning from co-hosting a women's retreat in Charlottesville (complete with airport adventures and unexpected Nashville bar-hopping), I'm excited to introduce our new Tuesday affirmation practice. These aren't just feel-good quotes – they're science-backed tools that rewire your brain to look for evidence supporting positive statements. When repeated consistently, affirmations interrupt harmful thought patterns and reinforce the identity you want to build.

Our first affirmation sets the perfect tone: "I show up for myself every single day, even in small ways." Because real self-care isn't always about hour-long workouts or elaborate meal prep. Sometimes it's drinking water before coffee, taking a deep breath before reacting, or simply putting your phone down to get better sleep. These small, consistent acts of self-respect build trust with yourself. When you follow through on minor commitments, you tell your brain: "I matter. I keep my word. I take care of me." That's what creates sustainable momentum – not perfection, but presence.

Join me every Tuesday for a new affirmation to carry through your week. Write it down, share it to your stories, or tag me on social media. I'd love to see how you're showing up for yourself! Follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next – more affirmations, more wellness tips, and of course, a splash of wine. Remember, you don't need to be perfect, just present.

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